One JCA's Top Ten J.Crew Shoes

In the "One JCA's Top Ten J.Crew Prints" posts (refer to {part 1}, {part 2}, {part 3}, & {part 4} for more), I picked out my favorite prints from J.Crew.

"Thanks!" to Kikki who came up with a great suggestion for another post: "Inspired by your series on favorite prints... I thought it might be fun to countdown favorite shoes, too.". I love the idea for such a fun post. So here it is!

The following are my top ten list. I should add that they are in no particular order. No ranking, because I love them all!

10. Patent-leather Mary Janes (Item 88554; $198.00) from 2007.

Yeah. I don't need to tell you why these gorgeous pair of heels are on the list.

9. Trixie Heels (Item 96339; $248.00) from Fall 2008.

These shoes came in a variety of patterns- each one more beautiful than the next. I wanted them all!

8. Juliet Patent Heel (Item 96716; $198.00) from 2008.Gorgeous glossy patent leather matched with a wood heel- perfectly on trend! This heel also came in the most delicious shades.

7. Fleur Suede Peep-Toe Heels (Item 96587; $195.00) from 2007.
Not hard to see why these heels made the list. In addition to the amazing jewel-toned hues these heels came, the design is divine. The silk satin rosette at the toe is just darling too!

6. Isabella Printed d'Orsay High Heels (Item 76587; $175.00) from 2007.
I love the shape of this heel! So lady like and sexy at the same time. These heels also came in irresistibly fun and festive patterns/ material: tie silk (sour lemon, black) or cotton poplin (bright sherbet).

5. Perle Gladiator Sandals from Summer 2010.
Okay, so these look way better in-person than the stock photo. The cascading beads down the t-strap make these gladiator sandals a dazzling pair to wear. Simply gorgeous.

4. Lula Patent Leather Ballet Flats (Item 51873; $128.00) from 2011.This might not be everyone's choice for top 10 pick, but it is for me. The flat is perfection! They are comfortable thanks to the cushioned insole, interior wedge and elastic collar. Not too mention they are pretty to wear at the office or at a party, as the flat comes in lovely shades!

3. Martine Two-Color Satin Ballet Flats ($198.00) from 2008.

If these look a bit familiar, it is because they also came in a heel. I love the bright contrasting colors that work so unexpectedly well together. The hand-knotted detail at the toe is a delightful twist of the usual bow.

2. Lucia Suede Ballet Flats (Item 86214; $135.00) from 2007(?).
When I think of the classic ballet flats- these come to mind as they are simple and elegant. Luxurious suede, in rich hues, with a charming bow on top.

1. Liza Patterned Peep-Toe Flats from 2008.
Super cute slingbacks that are a delight to wear thanks to the over-sized bow and bright print.

What are your thoughts on the Top 10 shoes from J.Crew? What items/ prints do you think I missed on my list? What items/ prints would make it to your top ten list? :)

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

J.Crew Factory {winning me over}

I have written before how I am not a fan of J.Crew Factory merchandise. My main reason: I have found that I can purchase the original item (versus the Factory re-issue) for less than the Factory price, at better quality.

As of lately though, my opinion has changed! Count me as a Factory shopper delighted by the finds purchased online. The quality at some of their price points have been really fantastic too.

It started out with a necklace or two (how cute is the crab necklace?!) I was then on a hunt for the perfect denim shirt and found it with Factory's Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt (Item 32043; $62.50). Great shape and nice weight to it. As I was looking around the site, I ended up getting the perfect sweater that not only looks great, but doesn't make me itch- the Factory Shrunken Fisherman Sweater (both in solid and stripe). Loves!

I thought I was the only one feeling this way recently until I read egyptomaniac's "OOTD: 2/5/12 J Crew Factory--Where's the Love?" post today. Then Louise @ cosmetic bee (in this post) very timely mentioned: "Also received the Factory skimmer pants, which I ordered during the 30% + 30% promo: surprisingly very good quality!"

So I am all sorts of "on board" the J.Crew Factory train and look forward to seeing what they offer next! :)

Lastly, to shop or check out Factory online, click here. Customers can take an additional 30% off all sale items (no min) with promo code OURTREAT too.

Are you a J.Crew Factory shopper? Do you think quality has improved in the line over the recent years?

It's Back! Extra 30% off J.Crew's Final Sale

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Leah (in this post), as well as Irina, who shared the following promotion from J.Crew this morning.

J.Crew is offering customers to take an additional 30% off all sale items (no min) with promo code OURTREAT. This offer expires Wednesday, February 29, 2012. The fine print includes:

*No exchanges, no returns on items marked as final sale. Offer valid at jcrew.com only. Offer is not valid at J.Crew retail stores or J.Crew Factory stores. Offer does not apply to previous purchases or to the purchase of gift cards. 30% off discount applies to J.Crew sale and Factory sale online items only. Offer valid through Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 11:59pm ET. Savings are applied at checkout with code OURTREAT. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.

It is great to see another sale promotion back at JCrew.com. Yey!!! (Especially since my local brick & mortar stores' sale section looks pretty empty.)

Will you be checking out the Sale section? Are there any items you are hoping to see or to get?

Side Note: Blogger changed the layout for the full page of comments. I am not a fan. (I find it harder to read & one can't subscribe to comments.)"Thanks!" to JustVisiting who suggested I switch to "Embedded Below Post" in the meantime. :)

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

J.Crew of Season's Past: {a look in the closet}

It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".

The Bahia Print Silk Shirtdress from J.Crew is one of my favorite pieces. This dress comes in an amazing silk twill (a great weight to it), with a gorgeous print (perfect for Spring & Summer). I love the ruffle collar too (not too much, not too little).

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past? Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

Price Increases {are you catching them all?}

So many of you have mentioned spotting price increases at J.Crew that I thought it would be a good topic on its own.

For example, Kittywitty (in this post) who shared: "...the toothpick jeans in garment dyed twill have been hiked in price from $108 to $125! Yesterday there were 2 colors left in my size at the $108 price. This morning, all the colors are in stock, but at the new price. How can they increase price on an item they've already been selling?..."

Another example is from In2itive (in this post), who shared "...The cafe capri's increased by $10!!!! $89.50 for cotton pants-no ...Overall, I'm coming off the crewlade especially with the price increases ..."

And from Shariyu (in this post) who mentioned: "...I am also bugged by the increased prices on items that have been staples...ballet flats now $125.00, etc. Seriously? The colors have changed but has the quality? No..."

One more obvious example shared by AppGal (in this post): "Just asked my PS about the linen polka dot pullover that AJC posted about in this post--it's actually going to be $85, not $75 like it shows on the tag..."

So let's get all the basics out of the way... All retailers increase the price of their merchandise over time. As the costs of materials and labor rise, so will the price of the end product. Moreover, J.Crew has every right to charge whatever price they deem the market will pay. I do not think anyone will disagree with these concepts.

With all that said, the real question is whether the price increases are in line with the product being offered? In other words, are those products worth the extra $$? (I should also clarify that I am mainly referring to J.Crew items that have price increases within a relatively short period of time.)

Have you noticed the subtle (or maybe not so subtle) price increases at J.Crew? Do you find the prices match the product being sold? Please share! :)

J.Crew Email: This week's discovery {malta sandal}

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email J.Crew sent this morning.

The email not only features the Malta Sandals (Item 64402; $148.00), but also shares its back story with customers:

After a south-of-the-border sojourn for some style inspiration (what happens in Tulum, stays in Tulum) our accessories design team couldn't resist imagining their own handwoven leather huarache. The traditional Mexican sandals made its way stateside in the'60s as a boho-cool summertime staple (we're conjuring up visions of Ali MacGraw rocking a pair with a suntan). Our designer's take: "They've got that undeniable picked-up-at-some-far-flung-marketplace vibe." Ours were handwoven in Italy in three earthy and very rich leathers, "so they get softer with each and every wear." The only question remains- which nail polish color?

Gorgeous pair of sandals! They really are. My only hesitation is the price tag- it seems expensive for a pair of sandals that look like you just picked-up-at-some-random-marketplace.

What are your thoughts on the Malta Sandal from J.Crew? Have you seen it in person? If so, please share! :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING sale, or to see some new SPRING/SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

Manolo Blahnik Did Not Know About J. Crew Collaboration

There is quote over at the Fashionista (click here to read) about J.Crew's newest collaboration with Manolo Blahnik:

Quote of the Day: Manolo Blahnik Had No Idea He Was Doing a J.Crew Collaboration
By Dhani Mau
February 23, 2012

"I have been approached so many times to do one, but I don’t want to work for a big company where I’ll have to have lots of meetings where I’m told what I can and can’t do. My niece, Kristina, handles that sort of thing for me – it’s just not for me. I was recently contacted by JCrew to do something with them, so I sent them over 45 pairs of shoes, and they announced we were doing a collaboration. I had no idea about it!"

–Manolo Blahnik to Vogue UK on doing high street collaborations. So that’s how J.Crew got Blahnik to do a collaboration–by not telling him. Guess he won’t be attending meetings with Jenna Lyons anytime soon.

Oh my! {giggling to herself} I am sure J.Crew will choose to not address this quote in any press release when they do finally release the "Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew" footwear collection.

Although, could you imagine what the product blurb would read if J.Crew did?!? Something like "...we can't believe this dream collaboration came true, and apparently neither did Manolo Blahnik!" Well, that is pretty lame catalog writing on my part. WellFedFred is much better at this (she is really good), she could come up with something much more clever and funny. (Hint: I would love to see WellFedFred's take on this.) :)

What are your thoughts on the quote from Manolo Blahnik? What would be your product blurb for the "Manolo Blahnik for J.Crew" collection?

More J.Crew Stores Coming to Canada!

"Thanks!" to so many of you, including JCrew Guy In Canada, as well as C, who shared the following news with us: J.Crew has new stores opening in Canada! There are several articles about their expansion (thanks JCAs for sharing them!), the following is from the Globe and Mail (click here to read in its entirety):

J.Crew announces Edmonton and Vancouver stores
By Maggie Wrobel
February 23, 2012

Edmonton and Vancouver will get a dose of Americana chic this spring, as iconic retailer J. Crew is set to open two new stores in the Canadian cities.

Following on the heels of the brand’s first Canadian store – which opened to much fanfare in Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall last August – a two-floor, 5,953-square-foot Vancouver outpost is planned for Robson Street, while the single-floor, 5,657-square-foot Edmonton store will be located in the West Edmonton Mall. (A second Toronto location is planned for this fall, to be housed in the Eaton Centre.)

Calling the Canadian response to J. Crew “absolutely electric,” president and creative director Jenna Lyons added that all three new stores will also offer, for the first time in Canada, the coveted men’s collection.

The brand’s arrival in Canada last year received a mixed reaction, as initial excitement turned to letdown over elevated prices, which were about 15 per cent higher in the Canadian store and on the Canadian e-commerce site compared with those at U.S. outlets. Following a consumer outcry, the company reverted to allowing Canadians to shop the U.S. site in American currency.

So many stores opening in Canada, including Menswear- exciting news indeed!

What are your thoughts on this latest locations for a store opening? Do you think the locations are a good fit with J.Crew? Will you be stopping by?

J.Crew Factory Email: No crowds. No lines. Just up to 30% OFF new arrivals online. (Life is good.)

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Irina, who shared the following email from J.Crew.

J.Crew Factory (click here to shop online) is open and they are offering up to 30% off their latest arrivals.

As JCAs know... if you live near a Factory Store, check them out first. The B&M Factory Stores tend to have better promotions and sale prices.

What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Factory offerings? Will you check them out?

Seek & Find: Will you visit J.Crew this Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopping by a J.Crew store this weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING sale, or to see some new SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

P.S. I noticed that many of you have already been reporting sale items (and in which stores) in other posts which by the way "thank you!" :) I really appreciate how helpful we are for each other!

Couldn't Find an Item During a J.Crew Promo? {just business}

As mentioned in the "So long, long weekend: 20% OFF your jcrew.com order" post, and by several JCAs throughout the blog, several popular items "disappeared" from J.Crew's website during the recent FABFEB promotion. Unfortunately, this practice of removing popular items to prevent customers from applying the current offer is not new.

A big "thanks!" to Beth who not only contacted J.Crew about this but shared the following response from J.Crew:

...Thank you for reaching out.

That style was temporarily removed from the site, because it was ineligible for the FABFEB promotion offering 20% off your order of $150 or more. This style recently debuted and in low inventory, these styles are removed during promotions to allow other customer to purchase the items at full-price first. Promotions must be added at the time the order is placed and are not eligible on previously-placed orders. We are unable to apply any promotion to this item.

If there's anything else we can do to assist you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us 24 hours a day at 1.800.562.0258, or simply reply to this email. ...

Whaat?!? I highlighted the part that I found interesting and annoying at the same time. I will address two parts to this email, please bear with me.

First, I am totally cool with J.Crew excluding new arrival items that are extremely popular from promotions. It makes complete sense. I get it. But instead of secretly removing the items, and their item pages altogether (thus disappearing from their website), why not just say that those hot-ticket items are excluded? (It's not like J.Crew does not already employ that technique. How many times do we see in the fine print that collaborations are excluded?) It looks shady to make it appear like all items are eligible for an offer, even though it is not the case.

Second, the "to allow other customer to purchase the items at full-price first" line bothered me too. How are those customers able to purchase online at full-price when the items are pulled from the website!?! Crazy move.

Overall, I am disappointed by J.Crew's disappearing-item practice. Hopefully, they will make things simpler for their customers (and themselves!) by being up-front with their exclusions.

What are your thoughts on disappearing items during J.Crew promotions? Do you think J.Crew should make it clear which items are excluded?

J.Crew Updates Website with New Arrivals!

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Fabulous Florida Mommy (in this post), who let us know that J.Crew had a mini update to its website today (click here to view online).

There are some new arrivals for men (click here) & women (click here). {wahoo!} It looks like Crewcuts (click here) has been updated, but not the J.Crew Collection (click here).

The latest March catalog (click here to view) is now available to view. It is another destination catalog! This time it is located in South America's Uruguay.

The catalog features lots of bright hues and simple layering & accessorizing. Although there are the occasional half-tuck tops, the outfits are clean and sophisticated.

As for the new arrivals...

Loving! I think the Circle Eyelet Dress (Item 72731; $228.00) is gorgeous! What a classic dress with its full skirt and fitted bodice. The scalloped edging detail is beautiful.

I am also happy to see a return to things nautical like the Lobster Pendant Necklace (Item 75494; $35.00) and the Printed iPhone 4 Case in Navy Anchor (Item 70844; $25.00). Adorbs!

Remembering. The Elinor Dress (Item 72114; $138.00) reminds me a lot of the Cecilia Dress (Item 42561; $158.00) from last year. It has the same style with bow, but the skirt is less full. This might be a nice casual alternative.

Confusing. I do not understand the significant price difference between the Viv Stripe Flats (Item 64409; $198.00) and the Stripe Ballet Flats (Item 70502; $138.00). Same flat, with the same "cotton upper" fabric pattern and "man-made lining". Yet, one pair of flats is $60 more expensive. The cynic in me suspects that the price difference has little to do with materials and quality, and more on the popularity of the Viv Flat shape.

What items are you most excited about and why? Which items are you surprised (or not surprised) to see? Which items did you hope would be included? Were you expecting a bigger roll-out today? Also, did you receive the latest catalog? :)

One JCA's Top Ten J.Crew Prints {part 4}

To recap, a big "thanks!" to :) Jen (in this post) who came up with a great suggestion for a post: "I would love to see a run-down of your top ten j.crew prints of all time". I love the idea for such a fun post.

We have already been through {part 1}, {part 2}, & {part 3}, of my selections. Now here is the final installment! The following are another two prints of my top ten list. Once more I should mention that they are in no order because I love them all!

2. Cliffrose Print anything from 2008.
"Another floral print?!", you say. Yup! This time it is the Cliffrose print that appeared everywhere- from the Blouson Dress, Dylan Tank, bikini, to a pair of heels! It's not hard to see why the golden-toned cliffrose floral print was heavily used by J.Crew. It is beautiful!

1. Soiree Print anything from Holiday 2007.
The soirée print was available in both skirt and cardigan form. This festive print is a classic thanks to its scenic black-and-white ball design. Simply gorgeous.

Side Note: I love that so many of you have posted your own Top-Ten-Best-J.Crew-Prints. It has been so much fun taking a look at them all!

What are your thoughts on the Top 10 prints from J.Crew? What items/ prints do you think will make the rest of my list? What items/ prints would make it to your top ten list? :)

JCA "Help Style Me!" Weekly Post

This is the weekly "Help Style Me!" post, where we can share items we are having trouble putting outfits together with. Elaine (in this post) says it best, "You know, that thing you bought because you love it and you keep pulling it out and then putting it away without wearing it?"

Please share your J.Crew item (either that you own or are thinking about getting) that you would love help creating an outfit with.

Also, please help out by offering your styling advice. Feel free to include links to your blog (where you incorporated that piece) or to Polyvore (where you showcased an outfit with that piece). Thanks in advance! :)

"Looking to LOVE" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to LOVE with J.Crew" post, a place to share our favorite experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a positive situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including stellar experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

J. Crew's Jenna Lyons Turns Down Request for the Oscars

ABC News has an interesting quote (click here to read in its entirety) from J.Crew's Jenna Lyons:

Michelle Obama Is the ‘Most Incredible Gift That Keeps on Giving’ for J. Crew
By Sheila Marikar
February 14, 2012

..."We just got asked to do something for somebody for the Oscars, literally this morning. I said, 'When are the Oscars? Two weeks? No way.' We can't turn samples and make really good-quality clothes on such a tight timeline," Lyons said in an interview with ABC. "I certainly love the idea, but we're not set up that way. If someone wants to wear a feathered skirt and a cashmere sweatshirt, then sure." ...

I am curious who the client/ celebrity was, that made the request. I am also surprised they turned down the offer, citing quality.

What are your thoughts on the decision from J.Crew? Do you think J.Crew has a place at the Oscar red carpet?

So long, long weekend: 20% OFF your jcrew.com order ends today

"Thanks!" to Irina who shared the following email:

Today is the last day to take 20% off you entire order of $150+ with promo code FABFEB. This offer is good on regular and sale priced items.

Unfortunately, most B&M stores did not carry this offer (in fact I did not see any offer for the weekend) and several popular items "disappeared" during this promotion from their website. (The last part really bothered me. Why not just say that certain hot-ticket items are excluded instead. Shady J.Crew.) With all that said, it was a good promo to pick up a few new arrivals.

Will you be taking advantage of this offer online? If so, please share!

One JCA's Top Ten J.Crew Prints {part 3}

To recap, a big "thanks!" to :) Jen (in this post) who came up with a great suggestion for a post: "I would love to see a run-down of your top ten j.crew prints of all time". I love the idea for such a fun post.

Last week, we got to see {part 1} & {part 2} of my selections. Now here is part three! The following are another two prints of my top ten list. Again, in no order because I love them all!

4. Gallerista Skirt (Item 52004; $195.00) from Fall 2011.

J.Crew says this "dreamy floral print was created just for us by a print-house artist in Como, Italy (it's bound to turn heads at any fête, from art openings and fund-raisers to Friday night weddings)." Yes, the floral print is dreamy! It is one of those rare & beautiful prints that can work anywhere. It can easily be dressed up (with a fabulous black silk cami and heels) or dressed down (with a white tee and flats). It also works in any season of the year.

3. Waterfloral Pastiche print in anything from Spring 2010.

The Waterfloral Pastiche came in so many forms- from the cardigan, the pencil skirt, the button-down shirt, the ruffle blouse, and even the Delphinia Gown. The print is a real beauty no matter how it is worn thanks to its gorgeous colors and watercolor floral design. It is a favorite for me, season after season!

What are your thoughts on the Top 10 prints from J.Crew? What items/ prints do you think will make the rest of my list? What items/ prints would make it to your top ten list? :)

"Looking to VENT" with J.Crew

This is the weekly "Looking to VENT with J.Crew" post, a place to share our not-so-stellar experiences with J.Crew.

If you have recently experienced a frustrating situation with J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including poor experiences with purchases & orders, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

Weekly Share: Other JCrew-like Retailers

This is the weekly "Other JCrew-like Retailers" post (similar to the "Off On A Tangent" posts), where we can share our finds from other retailers that have offerings similar to J.Crew (like Anthropologie, LE Canvas, Gap, BR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, and the like.)

If you have recently encountered items that are similar to J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Please feel free to share your story on almost any topic— including experiences with certain merchandise pieces, promotions/ offers, in-store visits, transactions with store associates, etc.

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

J.Crew of Season's Past: {a look in the closet}

It's that time again, to take a look at an image of J.Crew pieces from seasons past! As caribbelle (in this post) so beautifully termed, "ye olde j crew of yore".

This time it is a page from one of J.Crew's summer catalogs featuring the Martine School of Fish Print Dress (Item 75772; $178.00) and the Ariel Printed Poplin Halter Dress (item 75785; $198.00). Now some may find the print "too cutesy" for everyday, but I think it fantastic for those hot Summer days by the shore!

P.S. Did you catch that J.Crew used the orange School of Fish Print Skirt as a flag on the boat?! Adorbs!

What are your thoughts on the look(s)/item(s) from the past? Do you find the look(s)/item(s) classic or do you think they are dated?

Mark Your Calendars: J.Crew Warehouse Dates

A big "thanks!" to Helena who shared the following news & upcoming event:

...there will be a sample sale in Lynchburg on March 10 and 11. The hours will be the same: 8:00 AM to 8:00PM on Saturday and Noon to 6:00PM on Sunday

For the event's days/hours:

Saturday, March 10th (8AM - 8PM)
Sunday, March 11th (12PM - 6PM)

The location for the store is:

J.Crew Millrace Clearance Store
25 Millrace Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 316-6324

If you are attending these events, please share with us! Let us know if it is worth going and what deals you found. Thanks! :)

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled.

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to sell}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who want to swap/sell/share among yourselves. This post is where you can mention your items and outside listing/ auction site (like eBay and eCrater & the corresponding user ID).

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Please note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Do you have any items you would like to swap/sell/share among yourselves through your outside listing/auction site?

Sidenote: What's up with JCAs writing "sub" or "subscribing" as their comment? It just means they are subscribing to all the comments (which are then automatically sent to their email) in that particular thread. This way they can stay aware of all the comments posted. :)

The Great (Weekly) Exchange {looking to find}

This post (of weekly posts) is for individual members who are looking for and interested in buying certain items. Please feel free to share a J.Crew store location and/or your outside listing/ auction site if it matches the requests made in this post.

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Please note: this posting is not for resellers, retailers or businesses. If you are a reseller, retailer, or a business, your comment gets automatically deleted & you will get publicly called out on it. :( So instead of this, simply do not post in the Weekly Exchanges. Thanks in advance for your cooperation! :)

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Also note that any transactions are independent of this blog. (Especially since you will be using an outside listing/ auction site like eBay or eCrater.) I have no dealings or interactions with any of the potential communication, listings, or transactions. :) Moreover, please limit comments about items to swap/sell/share/finding to the "Great (Weekly) Exchange" posts. (Refer to "A Quick Note to J.Crew Aficionadas" post.)

Is there an item (or items) that you are looking for and interested in purchasing?

Sought & Found: Did you visit J.Crew this {past} Weekend?

This is the weekly "sale watch" post, to help each other find sale items at our various local J.Crew stores. ;)

If you are stopped by a J.Crew store this past weekend to see what's available (if anything!) in the SPRING sale, or to see some new SPRING/SUMMER arrivals {sigh!} in person, maybe you might be willing to share that with us in this post. In particular, if you could share with us a few of the noteworthy items that are available, at what prices, and potential sizes the store is carrying (as well as the store location)- that would be fantastic!

Also, please let us know if your local store was/ is carrying an additional percent off sale. Thanks in advance!!! :)

An extra-long weekend event: take 20% OFF your jcrew.com order

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Rosie & New York & Paris (in this post), as well as D*ska, who shared the following promotion/email with us.

J.Crew is celebrating President's Day with a pretty fantastic offer: 20% off you entire order of $150+ with promo code FABFEB. This offer is good on regular and sale priced items. This offer expires Wednesday, February 22, 2012. The fine print includes:

*Offer valid at jcrew.com only. Offer not valid at J.Crew retail stores or J.Crew Factory stores. Offer does not apply to previous purchases, alterations or the purchase of gift cards. 20% discount applies to online orders of $150 or more before shipping, handling and taxes are added. Offer valid through Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 11:59pm ET. Savings applied at checkout with code FABFEB. Offer not valid on phone orders. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or redeemed for cash. Limit one promotional code per order. Details of offer are subject to change.

It is very clear from the fine print that this offer is only for online. However, I am wondering if brick & mortars will be offering any promotions in their store. If you stop by a B&M, please let us know!

Will you be taking advantage of this offer online? Will you be stopping by a B&M store. If so, please share!